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What is schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a condition where your experience does not match up with reality as other people see it, a symptom called psychosis.

You might see, hear or believe things that for other people are not true. You can also feel muddled, low or withdrawn.

Schizophrenia is a serious illness, but it can be treated. It usually appears between the ages of 15 and 35. The cause is unknown, but you're more likely to experience it if a parent has it, or if you've had brain damage, drug and alcohol problems, or difficulties at home.

Having schizophrenia does not mean you have a 'split personality' or that you are violent.

The symptoms of schizophrenia

Other people might notice symptoms before you do, because the condition means you don't always know what's real. Symptoms include:

hallucinations where you see, feel, smell or hear things that aren't there

delusions, where you 'just know' things that seem unreal to other people

muddled thinking and difficulty concentrating

a feeling that you're being controlled by something outside yourself

not feeling up to normal activities like washing, dressing or seeing friends.

If you're under 25 you can talk to The Mix for free on the phone, by email or on their webchat. You can also use their phone counselling service, or get more information on support services you might need.